Last week, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, faced a tough crowd at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Audience members booed them loudly, signaling their disapproval of the Second Couple’s presence at the event.
This incident comes as President Donald Trump has taken on a new role as chairman of the Kennedy Center board. During a recent visit to the cultural institution, Trump shared his thoughts with reporters, expressing his dissatisfaction with the center. He described it as looking "tired" and noted that many of its rooms were underused. Trump also pointed out that the building is in "tremendous disrepair," a reflection he believes applies to much of the country.
In addition to his critique, Trump highlighted the center’s financial struggles, revealing that it carries a debt of $72 million. This situation places the Kennedy Center firmly within what he calls the "permanent D.C. establishment."
Trump’s relationship with the entertainment world has been rocky since he took office in 2017. Many celebrities openly boycotted events like the Kennedy Center Honors during his presidency, leading Trump to reciprocate by boycotting those events as well. However, his current approach appears different. He has appointed several loyal supporters to the Kennedy Center board, a move that has reportedly unsettled the arts community.
Usha Vance, who was recently booed, now serves as a trustee, alongside other prominent figures like Fox News host Laura Ingraham and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino. Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy for special missions, has been named board president. The board has also welcomed country singer Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic songs.
On his social media platform, Trump has promised to eliminate "Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth," referencing a recent event at the Kennedy Center that featured a drag story reading for children.
Presidents have a history of appointing allies to the Kennedy Center. For example, Joe Biden appointed his press secretary and a senior adviser to the board, but he did not remove 18 board members as Trump has done.
Even before Trump’s board changes, some prominent artists had distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center. The Broadway production of "Hamilton" canceled performances there, and figures like soprano Renee Fleming and producer Shonda Rhimes have severed ties with the institution. These actions reflect a broader sentiment among some artists who feel alienated by the current political climate and the presence of a president they did not support.
As the Kennedy Center navigates these challenges, it seems to be caught in a cultural tug-of-war, with artists and political figures vying for influence over this iconic venue.
